Markets in Manchester

Chris Horkan

Last Updated 22 August 2018

From trendy makers markets to one of the region’s oldest traditional markets, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your hard-earned cash on that unique hand-crafted item or local delicacy in and around Manchester. We delve into this market scene to pick out our favourite spots.

Featuring artists, designers, upcyclers and a host of food and drink vendors, the compact Northern Quarter Makers Market takes over Stevenson Square the second Sunday of each month. Food trucks are on hand throughout the day, and Pasta Paul can usually be found providing the market’s soundtrack. Its organisers also runs makers markets in Stockport, Chorlton, West Didsbury, the Great Northern and the Quays, among other locations around the North West.

Boasting in its Market House an award-winning eatery so good it has spawned a second outlet (the Northern Quarter’s Mackie Mayor), it’s worth pointing out that there’s more to Altrincham Market than just food and drink. On Sundays, the outdoor market rotates each week between design, food, craft and vintage – while Saturdays are its ‘Trad-Mod’ Market, featuring crafters, jewellers, makers and, of course, plenty of food. Weekdays are big on locals produce (Tuesdays and Fridays) as well as thrift, antiques and fish (the classic combo – every Thursday) – and you can retreat into the Market House any day of the week for a post-shopping treat.

Levy Market has become something of a rallying point for this surrounding community since launching in 2013. Initially a monthly market, its success prompted organisers to go weekly each Saturday in 2014 – and, more recently, to start up a popular monthly Friday night market. With a rotating cast of 40 stall-holders, you can find plants, clothing, homeware and artisanal food and drink at Levy Market. With this social enterprise using its profits to supply grants to local start-ups, it’s no wondering it was shortlisted for a BBC Food & Farming Award in 2015.

Nothing says ‘generic’ like an Arndale – but Manchester’s city centre shopping mall has undergone a major overhaul since the 1996 bomb. The Arndale’s market now features good-quality fresh fish, meat and fruit and veg, while the food hall boasts lunchtime institutions such as Panchos Burrito and Viet Shack – plus the tiny MicroBar, which has plenty of regulars despite its early last orders. And with the South Side market – traditionally reserved for mobile phone repairs, nail bars and e-cig liquids – recently getting in on the street food zeitgeist too, thanks interesting Thai and Spanish additions, Manchester Arndale continues to make great strides.

Bury Market is a great reminder of how important local markets can be. The market, which dates back 500 years, dominates the town’s centre – with its centrepiece, the Fish & Meat Hall, a great focal point as competing stall-holders vie for your attention and money. Elsewhere, the market has been home to the original Katsouris Delicatessen for over 40 years, while the Bury Black Pudding Company has traded on the market for even longer. With hundreds of stalls selling practical items such clothing, homeware and more, Bury Market justifies its four ‘Market Attraction of the Year’ awards to date.